Money And Sports

Sports Forum - Other voices - Commentary on topical issues

April 18, 1993|By Blackie Sherrod, Dallas Morning News

Of course, in older days, the chief reason to un-retire was ego. Sugar Ray Leonard, the world-record holder for un-retirements, admittedly missed ''the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd.'' . . .

In these days, money is the overwhelming factor. George Foreman needed money. He found he was merchandiseable. Lawrence Taylor announced his retirement from the Giants but few believed him, at the price HE could command. John Unitas, Joe Namath, even Jim McMahon, the comparatively easy money is the reason they stuck around past quitting time. Anthony Munoz, eyeing the new riches given offensive linemen, is re-considering. So is Evander Holyfield.

Money, we can understand. The ones who hang around too long, for ego's sake, for attention, are the ones to be pitied, perhaps ridiculed. That drive, in some ways, is more powerful than gold.

The celebrated jockey Eddie Arcaro once explained his stay in the saddle. ''Once I quit riding,'' said Eddie, ''I'm just another little man.''